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Naraan, Gilgit, Hunza and upto Khunjarab pass (Pakistan/China border) : It's strange how I spent nearly two months (including the trip) completing this project. I have learnt new things, met new people, seen new places, experienced new things, explored new stories; all of this occurred in one place, one country, one land - PAKISTAN (my love).

I have always believed that this land called Pakistan is a land of marvels, wonders and records. God has given us some very unique assets that unfortunately go unnoticed and are unappreciated. Not only are there mountains and lush green meadows in the North, the beautiful golden green fields of central Pakistan and the rugged sandy wilderness of the South are exceptional. And what would Pakistan be without it's people, their culture, our history and all the other unique characters associated with this. 

We all are totally aware of the fact that Pakistan is trying to play catch up in almost all walks of life, be it anything. But let's admit it, we are turning a blind eye to one vital fact--- who is responsible, Pakistan or us ? Pakistan needs a lot more respect from us and we the sooner we realise this ultimate truth, the better. We are gifted with tons of resources, furiously roaring waters, growling winds, scorching sun, rich minerals! What's there that is missing ? Think.

Let's educate ourselves and unite the enormous talent and resources this land produces. The key to success is to give love and to be hopeful because hope is the the most important main ingredient to sustain a positive and healthy life.

These photos are from my recent trips to the Northern areas of Pakistan. I lived those days to the fullest, I really felt something new in myself, a peace, a content of great fervour. May be I have my soul out there everywhere in the wilderness, I had suddenly come home and it seemed a tireless, endless journey had finally brought me to where I belonged. Traveling has become my foremost passion and photography my  way of trying to capture some of the beauty I see to share with others. 

Every photo has links with more details on the subject and the place under discussion. There are three galleries (including this one) from these trips which are interrelated and links to these galleries are as follows:

Faces of the North
Travel up North

Pakistan on World Atlas

Those of you who are interested,  can download the detailed place marks for the northern areas of Pakistan (to be used with Google Earth) here.

When viewing, please use the large photo or slide show format - trust me, the viewing experience is heightened, :). Please do leave feedback because I am very keen to hear your thoughts and critique.

Happy AQS'ing and thanks for dropping in :)

A Note in Remembrance:  This project and all the efforts are dedicated to my very close and dear friend, Yassar, who left us in a tragic accident on 8th August, 2009. He will be remembered. We all pray for him.

Naraan, Gilgit, Hunza and upto Khunjarab pass (Pakistan/China border)

It's strange how I spent nearly two months (including the trip) comple ...

Updated: Sep 30, 2009 7:00pm PST

Faces of the North : I had made a commitment to myself - I would photograph at least one face from each village and town as I travelled up north on the Karakurram Highway (KKH). As it turned out,  I couldn't quite manage exactly that but I managed to capture some interesting faces with so many different stories to tell.

All these photos are of local people from the villages, some nearby the KKH and some far off. There was something special about all of them, each one of them spoke with a unique charm.

I have always been a big fan of the film-like look of some photographs and I find inspiration in many images from numerous photographers who still shoot film. I have tried to achieve that vintage look in my portraits here and I have to admit that monochrome (black-n-white and its variations) is a hidden passion that is slowly surfacing within me.

Each photo has links to further details on the subject and the place under discussion. There are three galleries (including this one) from these trips which are interrelated. The other two can be accessed here:
The Northern marvels
Travel up North

When viewing the photos, please select the options of either slide show or Large size in picture view to allow for a better appreciation. Do let me know how you find my vintage portrait style.

Happy AQS'ing and thanks for dropping in :)

Faisal` .

A message to my friend - This project and all the efforts are dedicated to my very close and dear friend, Yassar, who left us in a tragic accident on August 8th, 2009. He will be remembered. We all pray for his soul.

Faces of the North

I had made a commitment to myself - I would photograph at least one fa ...

Updated: Oct 25, 2009 6:55am PST

All about colors ... : These landscapes and locations welcome anyone who takes up the challenge to visit them with excellent scenery and brilliant colors all over. The richness of the natural resources and the awesome picturesque beauty doesn't take long to take one's breath away.
Welcome to the Northern areas of Pakistan` the beautiful !

All about colors ...

These landscapes and locations welcome anyone who takes up the challen ...

Updated: Nov 20, 2009 1:09am PST

Your Bio

Simply myself!

Photography is a passion for me, it allows my ideas and visions to reveal themselves in a tangible way. It is a labor of love; I pour my heart & soul into it and I love it when a bunch of 'not-so-organized' and abstract ideas in my mind input as a recipe to produce an excellent image output. What a wonderful feeling! I am constantly trying to learn, practice and better my skills and I believe this is then reflected in one's work. Photography is an art and Photography is fun and Photography is love :)

I am a huge fan of film and vintage look that gives a special and rather mysterious character to the photos and I just try to achieve that distinctive mood and tone of the Black & White and high speed Color films as a defined style specially in the portraits.

I have developed a special interest for traveling and just love capturing nature when I am out there. I am happiest when I am traveling. This really has some amazing chemistry with my heart and mind and of course the soul. Meeting new people, listening to thrilling stories, experience diverse tastes and sounds and scenic beauty along the way and learning through the whole process is just something to die for. As one of my respectful friends cleverly stated, "I am not a photographer but i have been in and at beautiful places with a camera". I couldn't agree more - it's all about the time and the moments and the inspiration/motivation and most importantly life itself.

Pakistan in general and Peshawar/N.W.FP in particular are a matter of love affair for me, something that i just can't resist. These feelings can be seen throughout my photographic work.

I hope you guys enjoy whenever you are passing by.

The galleries will get updated regularly so make sure you visit here often. Also, don't forget to scribble a few words if you like a photo (comments option is available under each photo) or if you think you could provide constructive critique - I am happy to know if there is something you would rather want to suggest or criticize.

Also, please do let me know where and how did you find about this website by leaving comments and signing my guestbook here at the following link.
My Guestbook

Enjoy the colorful ride and feel the concept of 'AQS' ! (a word meaning 'image' or sometimes 'shadow' in Urdu language) ...

Thanks for sparing time and looking in.

For the curious, I'm a Pakistani, originally belong to the northern town of Peshawar but live and work in the city of Lahore - the provincial capital of Punjab which is the largest province by population and is considered to be the breadbasket of the nation.

Contact:
Email me
My Flickr photostream
My Facebook
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Faisal` .
\m/

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